missing

/ˈmɪsɪŋ/
adjectiveverbBeginner
general

not present or absent

The missing piece of the puzzle was found under the table.

The absent part of the puzzle was discovered under the table.

💡

Often used to describe something that should be present but isn't.

emotional

to feel a sense of loss or longing for someone or something

She misses her family when she's away.

She feels a sense of loss or longing for her family when she's not with them.

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Used to express emotional absence or longing.

Collocations

missing in actiona military term for soldiers who are absent and presumed lost or capturedmissing outto fail to experience or participate in something enjoyable

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

missing the boatidiom
to miss an opportunity
missing the markidiom
to fail to achieve a goal

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Missing' can describe physical absence or emotional longing. Context determines the meaning.

Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Verb

As an adjective, it describes something not present. As a verb, it expresses emotional absence.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'missen' (to fail to hit or reach), from Old English 'missan'.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used as both an adjective and a verb. As a verb, it often implies an emotional sense of loss.

Word Breakdown

miss
to fail to hit or reach
root
+
-ing
present participle or adjective form
suffix
English Dictionary